6 replies to this topic

[jimbo1946]

My H-P inkjet (Deskjet 845C) printer does a fairly good job printing photographs, but I would like something better. I am looking at an Epson Stylus Photo 1280. The price is about $470, minus a $100 rebate.

Does anyone have experience with this printer? I have read a couple of reviews that said that the photo quality is very close to a photo lab print.

I would consider any other recommendations. Price needs to be $400 or less, and I would like to get a tabloid-size printer that will do 11" x 14".

[bobjarman]

A lot of my photo club members use the 1280 and the prints they show me are nothing less than stunning.

It was the benchmark of great affordable printers for a long time and everyone loved them, so I doubt you can go wrong with that choice.

[jimbo1946]

Thanks, Bob! I just wanted someone who's familiar with the Epson to tell me it's a good printer. As soon as I saw your post, I ordered one.

I looked at your website. Nice photos!

Thanks again,
Jim

[gracet]

I am using 1998 lexmark 5700 ($50) which has an optional 6 color mode. Two cart with 3 inks each. I am refilling now and this 6 ink mode is much better then the standard 4 color mode. Photos done the 4 color mode on glossy paper show the ink dots when examined closely , done in 6 color mode on glossy the dots are not visible, it really does like a film print.

I guess these days there are printer which can do a good job in 4 color mode. But the paper does matter.

Also be careful about the ink costs. Decide if you are willing to refill or not. Then choose a printer with either cheaper ink per page costs when buying a cart or easier refilling procedures.

The lexmark line seems to be geared toward low printer, but the highest cart costs. They have new line with smaller cart at the same price.

There is consumer’s magazine in store (now?) with an article about inkjet costs and Quality for the current printers.

A photo print looks good when the printer is able to print at least 250-300 dots per inch. (real not advertised) Less then 250 starts to make it a visibly fuzzy, more then 350 is resolution not causally visible when handling a photo at normal distances. Again paper matters with the various coated (glossy) papers able to control the dot of ink as it hits the paper soaks in a tiny bit to allow drying but fully covers the white (fibers) of the paper to convey the right color. Hence the Manufacturer with their branded inks and paper at their price.

[jimbo1946]

Thanks, gracet, and welcome to Wetpixel!

[gracet]

it was a feb03 consumer reports 11 inkjet printers.

there were many measurements , overall score, text score, photo score, graphic score, text ink and photo ink costs. score in 5 dots. crbestbuy in photo is hp deskjet3820. 8x10 photo 15min, 80cent (ink and paper)
lowest overall score is epson 820 very long times. 1.10 per page cost.

no large formats rated.

I have read that you get 10 pages per ml of ink for photo. I think i get less because i set photo mode on and it pours more ink on. But printing to a 11x14 would use up ink twice as fast per page.

[jimbo1946]

I made my first prints today with the Epson Stylus 1280. Incredible, just incredible. Absolutely as good as I get from a photo lab!